Twip of the Day – Using a Damp Basement Sealant

If you often find that your basement is damp, it may be time to look into a damp basement sealant. When you use this product, you must be aware of any problems and advantages to using it. One of the biggest advantages to using a damp basement sealant is you are going to be able to keep moisture out of your basement. Dampproofing products are usually simple to apply as well. You’ll be able to roll it on with a paint roller in most instances, this means you won’t have to hire a professional to help you install it.

There are a few disadvantages of using a damp basement sealant that you should be aware of. First, damp basement sealants are expensive. These products are usually manufactured in large buckets that will require a fairly large investment. If you have a large basement, this could end up being several hundred dollars, which leads us to our second drawback. Dampproofing is a temporary waterproofing method, so after investing this large amount of capital into sealing your basement, you will find that your dampproofing will wear down. Also, be careful of dangerous fumes when working with these products. Its usually recommended that you use a respirator when working with sealants, so you don’t breathe in fumes.

362 Mastic – Another Mar-flex Innovation

362 Mastic is Mar-flex’s newest innovation. A heavy bodied trowel coating, this solution is perfect for patching tie holes, filling in honeycombed areas, and comes ready to use. 362 Mastic is versatile, remaining flexible during freeze/thaw cycles, and can be used during any season. This mastic sealant is the solution to your issues.

Twip of the Day – Common Leak Sources

Damp basements are a serious problem for any homeowner. This condition leads to many problems including mold propagation, as well as structural damage. If you have a concrete foundation, concrete can “sweat” leading to water saturation. Make sure to apply a concrete sealer to the walls and floor to prevent this. Concrete foundations also settle as the house above them age, causing cracks. If you can’t fix this problem with crack injection, then you need to hire a professional foundation repair company. Finally, a common source of basement moisture is the plumbing under your home. Make sure to insulate all pipes in your basement, as well as keeping a good eye on washing machines and water heaters.

Mar-flex Quality Brick Sealants

When dealing with a brick structure, we know that, over time, bricks stain and wear down. This allows insects and weeds into the structure, and damages the bricks themselves. Applying a protective coating to bricks prevents dirt and stains from penetrating into the paver, which allows for easier cleaning. Brick sealers also provide protection from ultraviolet rays, which make bricks look dull and bleached out. A sealant also seals in joint stabilization sand, helping to keep out insects and local vegitation. Mar-flex offers several brick sealants and waterproofing solutions.

Twip of the Day – Killing Mold

Basement mold is a serious problem for any homeowner. Mold, while not exactly tough, can return quickly when not properly treated. Varieties of mold lead to serious health problems, even normal mold can cause serious damage to food, paper, drywall, and many other materials.

Killing the visible mold is pretty easy. A simple borax solution is enough to wipe the mold clean. Borax is common in the cleaning materials section of any hardware store. Its more effective than bleach because it kills mold on porous surfaces, and doesn’t give off harmful fumes. Borax is still toxic, so keep children and pets away from it. The process of using Borax is to mix one cup of Borax with one gallon of water. Apply some of this mixture to a rag, sponge, or even paper towel, and wipe down the effected area. It shouldn’t take more than a few wipes to do the trick. In certain extreme situations, you may need to give up on cleaning altogether and simply remove moldy materials and replace them.

Mold needs humidity to propagate. Because you’ve cleaned the mold and you are trying to prevent further mold problems, you should buy a dehumidifier or similar humidity-removing device. Sometimes a dehumidifier isn’t enough, in these cases, its likely that your basement has a serious mold problem. You should check pipes for leaks, cracks, and other problems. If you find the problem and its too big to solve on your own, consult professionals, like DryPatrol (the experts at mold remediation).

Mar-flex Drainage Tiles

Mar-flex, the leader in innovations of the waterproofing industry, offers a complete waterproofing system to make any new build an easy job. Proper basement waterproofing, including correct installation of basement footer drains, is essential in protecting your basement from the hazards of hydrostatic pressure and water penetration. Even dry and arid areas need minimal drainage solutions to prevent flooding in certain situations. Flooding leads to cracks, shifting, water damage, mold, mildew, and many other serious issues. Foundation drainage tiles move this water away from the structure. Mar-flex offers these drainage tiles to fit any size job.

Twip of the Day – Basement Waterproof Paint and Mildew

Basement paint can be a good way to prevent mildew. Basements are usually dark and damp, so its a perfect place for mold and mildew to propagate. By using waterproof paint, you will help prevent moisture from getting in through the walls. By preventing this, you’ve already taken your first step to stopping mold growth.

Feel the Vortex

Vortex Telescopic Vents are another amazing Mar-flex Innovation. Vortex represents the future of foundation ventilation, with an adjustable and telescopic frame, sizes that fit nearly any wall, and a no-headache high-density polyethylene construction. Vortex offers what no other vent system can offer, so check out the page today!

Twip of the Day – Frequency of Waterproofing

You have taken all the necessary steps to waterproof your basement, and now the work is over, right? Not exactly. Waterproofing in basements will last years, sometimes as long as ten years. The length of time between applications is largely affected by the surrounding environment, and how well the waterproofing was applied in the first place. For instance, if your home is built on marshy ground, such as in areas prone to flooding, you may have to dampproof every fall. The more the professional your approach to waterproofing, the longer it will last. Shoddy jobs mean frequent fixes and reapplications.

Mar-flex Drainage Boards

Mar-flex manufactures the highest quality waterproofing membranes and other waterproofing products. Mar-flex offers some of the best, effective, and most reliable drainage boards. This Middletown, Ohio based company has poured millions over the years into developing the first 100% Green drainage boards. Mar-flex is also known for its ShockWave drainage board which is is not only 100% Green, but is virtually unbeatable, with its industrious design and the ability to gulp an unparalleled 101.11 gallons of water per hour per linear foot. Check out Mar-flex’s drainage board page for the best drainage boards in the entire industry, and from a family-owned American Made establishment.